Firefighters blocked from reaching burning nursing home in Sheffield

Sheffield firefighters have issued a plea for motorists to think twice about where they park their cars after an engine on an emergency call was unable to reach a burning nursing home.
Firefighters at Northfield nursing home - pic: Cocis FlorinFirefighters at Northfield nursing home - pic: Cocis Florin
Firefighters at Northfield nursing home - pic: Cocis Florin

An engine from Rivelin fire station was on its way to a blaze at Northfield Nursing Home, Commonside, when it had to double back because of cars on a narrow street blocking its route.

A fire engine from Central fire station had to respond to the incident instead, leading to a delay in firefighters arriving at the scene.

The fire was in the laundry room and nobody was injured.

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Fire chiefs are warning today that bad parking can put lives at risk if crews are prevented from reaching casualties.

Area Manager Tony Carlin, Head of Emergency Response for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Bad parking is a real problem for firefighters. Fire engines require a gap of almost three metres to get through.

"We appreciate that people like to park as close to their property as possible, but please think could a fire engine or other emergency vehicle get through the gap.

"With every second counting when attending a fire or road crash it is vital that they can get down streets quickly and safely.”

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